[3] During graduate school, Lassner was trained on the PLATO computer system and was soon recruited to work at the University of Hawaiʻi for one year.

[2] Lassner began his doctorate degree in communication and information sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi while working as a contractor.

[2] In 2004, Lassner was elected Chair of the WCET[4] and chairman of the Internet2 Applications Strategy Council, where he also served on their board of trustees.

[11] Following this, Lassner said he's "struggling with how the project is dividing the university and broader community" and called it "the greatest challenge he's faced as UH president.

"[12] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lassner established a "blue ribbon" committee to provide strategic vision and advice for the future of UH Mānoa athletics.